Bill,
I think Crag Burn is much more than just a straight ahead test of golf. If it was just that, I definitely would not give it the praise that I give it. Crag Burn has a very strong routing that meanders between woodlands and open horse farm. It has three interesting par fours on the short side (3, 9, and 11) that fit in well on any solid strategic course. It is plenty of width, giving golfers ample options off the tee. The bunkering fits together well, but it has a rugged appearance that is far preferable to a molded, sterile look of a modern Fazio bunker. The hazard placement shuttles between penal and strategic, and varies between bunkers, water, trees, short grass, and long grass throughout the course. The greens, as I expect, sometimes with disappointment, from RTJ are varied and definitely interesting.
I agree that it needs tree work in spots, and I believe the club has undertaken some in the past. However, it would be a shame to re-bunker and change the greens at Crag Burn. CB, more than anything, demonstrates that the big, bold style of the 1960s has some merit today, especially when Trent Jones give it more thought than his usual mail-in job.
Sean,
I would guess you are correct, and what you describe is exactly what many holes at Crag Burn do. Trent Jones, when he did his best work, built hazards to break up the direct line. The play is sometimes close to these hazards, and sometimes it is away from the hazards. As for the "pop-up bunkering," there is some of that at Crag Burn, but it is not nearly as invasive as you might think. The bunkering doesn't hug the land, but it does not look out of place either (except in a couple spots, like the tee shots on 10 and 14). Overall, Trent Jones did a great job of creating an interesting, engaging golf course on a flat site.